Kieran Tierney insists it was an easy decision for him to join Real Sociedad on loan this summer, despite the challenges of a new culture and language.

Kieran Tierney joined Real Sociedad on loan for the season over the summer, leaving Arsenal on a temporary basis.

Discussing the decision to join the La Liga club, Tierney claimed it wasn’t a difficult choice, and it was an opportunity he didn’t want to miss out on.

“I had the opportunity to go to La Liga and it was one I really didn’t want to turn down,” Tierney said. “I am in a really good place now. I’m enjoying it over there in Spain.

“Was it a hard decision? No, it was an easy decision. It was a big decision, but an easy decision. Clearly, it’s a big change for me.

“Culturally, the league, the language, everything is different. But I think you have to embrace it and put yourself in uncomfortable positions sometimes.

“You just have to enjoy it, go make the most of it, and learn everything you can.”

Tierney was long expected to complete a permanent transfer away from Arsenal this summer, with Newcastle United reported to be the favourites for the move.

But Newcastle ended up going for Lewis Hall of Chelsea instead, and it seems there weren’t any other bidders willing to pay Arsenal’s asking price.

As a result, Tierney went out on loan, but Arsenal are still set to make a very minor profit from the move.

According to reports, Sociedad will pay Tierney’s full wages for the season, and they’re also paying Arsenal a £1.2m loan fee.

Tierney will still have a contract at Arsenal for another couple of years upon his return to north London, so the Gunners will be in a pretty good position to negotiate a sale if the Scottish international has a strong year in Spain.

It seems a long shot that the 26-year-old will be reintegrated into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team, but that’s also not impossible at this stage.

Tierney made 36 appearances for Arsenal last season, but only 15 of those were in the starting lineup.